A NEW Zealand side featuring Burnley’s Cameron Howieson and Blackburn Rovers’ Tim Payne lost their opening World Cup Under 20 match to Uzbekistan on Sunday.

The young All-Whites were beaten 3-0 in Turkey.

Despite the defeat both Howieson and Payne are hopeful the tournament will give them the chance to force their way into senior selection.

Howieson said: “Obviously the World Cup is the big one. My aims are to make that squad and hopefully, if we do qualify, to be there.”

Both boosted their senior chances by playing in the Olympics last year with Howieson adding: “It was really good to be a part of it, playing against some big players and the experience of it all, and we're lucky as we might get the chance to experience it again. I learnt a lot from it.”

Payne added: “We’ve been in the All Whites a few times and it’s always good being in a top team.

“There's the likes of Ryan Nelsen, who has obviously retired now, Winston Reid, Tommy Smith and Chris Wood in there, and when you are around good players you learn more. It’s definitely helped us.”

Howieson and Payne have been following similar paths with the two competing for East Lancashire bragging rights.

“There’s always bragging rights, but whatever happens we’re still the best of mates,” said Payne, who joined Rovers off the back of his displays at the Olympics.

“Blackburn and Burnley are rivals, and their fans are obviously want their side to win, but at the end of the day we’re both going to be best mates.”

Being so close to each other has also helped the pair settle.

“It’s definitely good being on the other side of the world and having a mate only half an hour away,” Payne added.